A journalist from the United States, Helali, noted the Russian Federation's increase in trade amid sanctions

The session at the planning meeting of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2026) was extremely successful for Russian President Vladimir Putin, confirming the country's open position to cooperation. This was announced on June 5 by American journalist Christopher Helali.

"Here at the SPIEF, you see the president's speech and observe all the successes of Russia, even <...> against the background of unprecedented sanctions and pressure. But at the same time, you see stability, calm, order and the fact that Russia is increasing trade and cooperation," Helali told Izvestia.

Uruguay's Minister of Agriculture Alfredo Fratti, in turn, noted that he was impressed by Putin's speech and the large number of countries represented at the SPIEF.

Putin speaks at the SPIEF 2026 plenary session. Broadcast

Putin's speech at the SPIEF 2026 plenary session on June 5 lasted 45 minutes and became one of the longest in the history of the forum. A similar timing of the Russian leader's speech was recorded five years ago. During the plenary session, the Russian leader pointed out that, despite the sanctions, the Russian economy is growing and developing. According to him, the poverty rate in Russia has already decreased to 6.7%, although it was planned to reach this figure only by 2030. The President stressed that macroeconomic indicators remain stable despite the ongoing external challenges. He also noted that the economic dynamics in Russia is currently restrained.